The Open Institute, an NGO in Cambodia, launched the ‘Ushahidi mapping tool’ that uses crowdsourcing to show instances of gender-based violence in the country on a map.

The online mapping tool allows users to view information on gender-based violence on a map of Cambodia, showing areas with instances of reports of violence, or other information such as the release of a survey on gender-based violence.

Users can also submit their own reports of violence instances or related information to be added to the mapping tool.

The Open Institute works to ensure that the benefits of technology in social and economic advancement are leveraged in Cambodia, focusing on areas such as e-learning and women empowerment. “The Open Institute believes that the use of ICT is an ideal way to bring awareness to this issue on a public level”, said Manavy Chim, the Executive Director of the Open Institute.

The organisation launched the Ushahidi tool to increase public awareness around gender-based violence and get the people involved in its elimination. “The Ushahidi mapping tool offers both government officials and key stakeholders the opportunity to track incidences of gender based violence online in order to increase awareness and work toward immediate intervention and prevention methods”, said Chim.

The institute hopes that the public will get involved by publishing information and sharing it with their networks via social media, thus raising awareness and promoting action. Several forums and conferences are held throughout the year to raise awareness about issues such as gender-based violence, and inform the public about tools that can be helpful in resolving the issues.